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gyokell
Level 2

QuickBooks Online Desktop App doesn't start

I downloaded the desktop app and added it to my taskbar. When I click on the icon in the taskbar or run the app from the Start menu nothing happens. This was happening several months ago when I first tried the app so I gave up. I tried it again about a month ago and it worked for a couple of weeks but recently it refuses to launch. Anyone else have this trouble? Anyone know a way of diagnosing what is wrong?

9 Comments 9
Ethel_A
QuickBooks Team

QuickBooks Online Desktop App doesn't start

Welcome to the Community, @gyokell.

 

I'm here to help you fix the issue of being unable to start QuickBooks Desktop application.

 

Let's attempt some basic troubleshooting to resolve this issue. Have you attempted to update your application? If not, I recommend doing so initially to ensure that you can download fixes for features that are not functioning as intended or to obtain minor application enhancements and compatibility.

 

You can also try resetting your app data if you're using the QuickBooks app on your Windows/Mac desktop. You may follow the steps below to clear your QuickBooks app's cache:

  1. Click the Help menu.
  2. Choose Reset App Data.

 

If following the recommended steps still results in the same error, the best course of action would be to uninstall and then reinstall the app. This can help refresh your app settings. After reinstalling, attempt to edit the date and see if it works this time.

 

At the moment, you can temporarily use the web browser to access your account to complete your work.

 

Here is an article with an overview of QuickBooks Online app: Download and use the QuickBooks Online desktop app.


Let me know how it goes by clicking the Reply button below. I'm here to help you if you need further assistance in using QuickBooks Desktop app. Have a great day.

gyokell
Level 2

QuickBooks Online Desktop App doesn't start

Uninstalling and reinstalling did not solve the problem. Even if I Run as Administrator nothing happens. Is the program writing out some kind of log that I can look at for error messages?
 
JaeAnnC
QuickBooks Team

QuickBooks Online Desktop App doesn't start

I appreciate the update, @gyokell. I'll put you in touch with our available support so you can use the QuickBooks Online (QBO) Desktop app.

 

Before that, may I ask if you've encountered an error message upon opening the QBO Desktop app? This way, we can check for any open investigations on our system and provide an appropriate response.

 

Since the issue persists after performing several troubleshooting procedures, I recommend reaching out to our customer support team so they can determine the root cause of the problem. They may also initiate an investigation regarding this matter if necessary. To do that:

 

  1. Go to the Help icon and choose the Search tab.
  2. Select Contact Us.
  3. Describe your concern and select Continue.
  4. Choose between Chat with us and Have us call you.

 

Furthermore, you can run reports in QBO to have an overview of how your company is doing. Also, you may customize them to display the necessary information relevant to your business needs.

 

Let me know in the comments below if you need additional assistance with the QBO Desktop app. We're always around to help. Take care, and have a great day ahead!

gyokell
Level 2

QuickBooks Online Desktop App doesn't start

I think I figured it out. It looks like MalwareBytes is quarantining the app, so I have to keep a close eye that it doesn't.

DislikeThisProgram
Level 1

QuickBooks Online Desktop App doesn't start

My app also will not start, and anti-malware is not the problem.  Seems like there are lots of issues with Quickbooks, I wish they would have left the Desktop version alone.

AdonL
QuickBooks Team

QuickBooks Online Desktop App doesn't start

Thanks for chiming into this thread, Dislike. I recognize the importance of the app to your business. Let's ensure it functions well on your end.

 

Before we proceed, may I know if you've seen any error messages when opening the QBO Desktop app? It will help us check for any ongoing investigations and provide a suitable response.

 

Moreover, I recommend running QuickBooks Online (QBO) on a Windows 64-bit computer to avoid unexpected behavior. It could be why you can't open the app.

 

However, if your computer meets the requirements for this app to function well, it's best to uninstall and reinstall the app to refresh its settings. I'll show you how.

 

Here's how to uninstall a program from your computer:

 

  1. Right-click on the program you want to remove.
  2. Select Uninstall or Delete.

 

Once done, re-install the QBO Desktop app. Kindly navigate this article and refer to Download the QuickBooks Online desktop app section for a complete guide: Download and use the QuickBooks Online desktop app.

 

Meanwhile, you can temporarily use the web browser to access your account and complete your work.

 

Additionally, you can check out this article understanding about how to navigate and use bookmarks in QuickBooks: Understand the navigation menu in QuickBooks Online.

 

Feel free to comment on this thread and tag my name for follow-up questions or any other concerns in QBO. I'll be around anytime you need help. Stay safe.

csp54321
Level 2

QuickBooks Online Desktop App doesn't start

All of a sudden QBs Online will not launch on my PC. 

This is very annoying. The old desktop version always worked and was fast. This new online version is slow and sometimes, like now won't even launch. I get no messages, no feedback. 

I need to access my accounting!!!! HELP

Aldren18
QuickBooks Team

QuickBooks Online Desktop App doesn't start

Your accounting is vital to us, Csp54321. I can see why you're eager to resolve this launch failure in QuickBooks Online. I'm here to support you and ensure you can access your accounting without further delays.

 

To assist you more effectively, please let me know if you're accessing QuickBooks Online (QBO) via a web browser or the QBO desktop app. This information will help me offer the most relevant troubleshooting steps.

 

If you're accessing your account through a web browser, let’s use an incognito window to rule out any potential issues related to cached files or browser settings. Sometimes, numerous cached files can cause unusual browser behavior.

 

Here are the shortcut keys to open an incognito window in various browsers:

 

  • Mozilla Firefox: CTRL + Shift + P
  • Microsoft Edge: CTRL + Shift + N
  • Google Chrome: CTRL + Shift + N
  • Safari: Command + Shift + N

 

After opening a new private browsing session, access your QBO account and verify if you can access it successfully. If you can, proceed to clear your browser's cache to help the program run smoothly. You can also use other devices and supported browsers as alternatives.

 

If you're using the QBO desktop app, I suggest clearing the app data to reset the application to its original state, allowing it to rebuild its cache with fresh and up-to-date information.

 

Here's how to do it:

 

  1. Open your PC Settings.
  2. Go to the Application list.
  3. Choose the QuickBooks app from the list, then select Storage.
  4. Select clear data.

 

Once done, power down and restart your PC. If the issue remains, uninstall and reinstall the app to ensure you have the latest version. It will help keep your app updated, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently.

 

Moreover, I'll share these articles that will guide you in balancing your account and personalizing your reports in QuickBooks Online:

 

 

You're always welcome to return to this thread if you have further inquiries about your QuickBooks Online experience. The Community experts are always here to provide guidance and support. Whether you drop a reply or create another post, we're just a click away.

thirstyquaker
Level 2

QuickBooks Online Desktop App doesn't start

I have also been periodically having this same issue, on Windows 10. Sometimes uninstalling, restarting, and reinstalling will work. But this is not a practical solution, obviously.

The program will launch, the status bar will start, and when the status bar is full it just shuts down without ever opening the program.

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